How do lifestyle factors and exposure to environmental substances affect our cancer risk?
Ask the questions and follow the guidelines below to make sure you are given all the tools and information you need to stay healthy.
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Read more about finishing treatment in Your Guide to Cancer Care.
1. Make a clear follow-up plan with your doctor and stick with it. Follow-up plans typically consist of regular physical examinations, blood tests, CT scans, MRIs, or other tests. You usually need to check in with your doctor every 3 to 6 months for the first 2 years after treatment.
2. Keep a copy of your medical records. It’s important to have a complete record of your previous treatments on hand so that any new doctors you may see can be well-informed about your history.
3. Bring a friend or family member along for follow-up appointments. Because check-ups with your healthcare providers can be stressful after a bout with cancer, it’s a good idea to ask someone you’re close to and comfortable with to accompany you to your appointments.
Your oncologist or the social worker at the hospital or facility where you were treated may be able to recommend a therapist who specializes in working with cancer survivors, either individually or in a group setting.
4. Give yourself time to settle back into a normal routine. Cancer can turn your life upside down, so don’t be surprised if it takes some time to find your rhythm again.
5. Take steps if negative feelings get in the way of everyday life. It’s natural to feel some anxiety, guilt, and even depression after cancer treatment. But if sadness or worries about the cancer coming back are interfering with your day-to-day life, you may want to talk to a licensed mental health professional.
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